How does one hire a god?

Einstein · 25th January 2006

Just out of pure curiosity, is it possible to hire the big name ME's for non-lable work? Can you call them up and hire them to do a mix for something that you recorded? I'm only curious here...if you got the money, will they do the work, or is it an honor system of some sort where you have to be somebody before they will even talk to you?

Maybe this is a stupid post, but I've never quite understood how this works.

Fletcher · 25th January 2006

Cash is king...

absrec · 25th January 2006

What I've heard is that, if one of those guys digs what you're doing, they may very well mix it for whatever you can give them. But they have to get the music and they have to be into it. Also, it probably has to be something that they think could potentially go somewhere.

TBlizz · 25th January 2006

Or maybe your favourite mixing-engineer can be found on these sites providing online services:

http://i-studio.net/
http://www.sessionplayers.com/roster.html

(coming winter 2006)
http://www.esession.com/site/

Good luck and let me know when Bob Clearmountain or Tom Lord-Alge are having a slow week and need the extra work...

Martijn.

C/G · 25th January 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by absrec

What I've heard is that, if one of those guys digs what you're doing, they may very well mix it for whatever you can give them. But they have to get the music and they have to be into it. Also, it probably has to be something that they think could potentially go somewhere.

Yes, at least some might. My friends band, The Besnard Lakes out of Montreal did the same thing with John Golden. I can't remember the exact sum, but he cut them a pretty good deal.

True North · 25th January 2006

Typically the big name ME's (i.e. Bob Clearmountain) work through agents. The relationship between an agent and a client is a legally binding agreement. As such all transactions will be directed through the agent. Michael Brauer spoke a little about this while he was a guest moderator.

djui5 · 25th January 2006

I'm available

rickrock305 · 25th January 2006

I work with TLA. All his bookings go through a management company. Like Fletcher said, cash is king.

5down1up · 25th January 2006

if cash is king they cant be GODs tutt

Fletcher · 25th January 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5down1up

if cash is king they cant be GODs tutt

Makes me think of my favorite Heretix album...

5down1up · 25th January 2006

he he xactly ...

AL CAPONE on da faders

Benjy King · 25th January 2006

QUOTE: "What I've heard is that, if one of those guys digs what you're doing, they may very well mix it for whatever you can give them. But they have to get the music and they have to be into it. Also, it probably has to be something that they think could potentially go somewhere."
________________

*Exactly* my experience.

dbbubba · 25th January 2006

Also, figure where your project is going to fit into their "world."
If your cut has potential to generate money then they might do it for points, but then again.... cash and an open calender....

Danny Brown

farside · 25th January 2006

This is one of the things I like about Steve Albini ...He'll work with anyone, you dont have to pass a coolness test first.

GearHunter · 25th January 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletcher

Makes me think of my favorite Heretix album...

Hey, who engineered that record? Was it GearHunter possibly?

Einstein · 26th January 2006

I looked at some of those sites, pretty cool stuff indeed. The reason I got to thinking is that when my band recorded our last CD, I really didn't want to do it. I hate recording my own stuff, always have. So I thought to myself, hey, we could cut the track count down to an EP, and hire David Bottrill. So out of pure "let's just see if I can find him" I e-mailed his agent and never got a reply. The site wouldn't let you e-mail direct, but had a "gate keeper" type form you filled out with a couple questions like "who are you" a. lable b. managment, etc.

This got me wondering if you have to be of some stature before you're allowed to pay these guys to work for you. It seems to me that some are redily available and some are almost mythical creatures.

Igotsoul4u · 26th January 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Einstein

Just out of pure curiosity, is it possible to hire the big name ME's for non-lable work? Can you call them up and hire them to do a mix for something that you recorded? I'm only curious here...if you got the money, will they do the work, or is it an honor system of some sort where you have to be somebody before they will even talk to you?

Maybe this is a stupid post, but I've never quite understood how this works.

I'm available. Usually I prefer a sacrificial woman and some sort of dance like the avatar bat is doing.

David R. · 26th January 2006

All you have to do is ask. And, be willing to pay what they are asking.

You just have to find how to get in touch.

**jayfrigo** · 26th January 2006

How? Easy. Call their rep and ask about their schedule and price. If you like what you hear, book some time. Some even offer demo rates if they have some downtime and it's a short booking. I'm not aware of too many engineers that feel they are too cool for work, unless you want them for a whole month lockout at the expense of their regular label clients.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that there are plenty of seasoned professionals around without songs in the top 10 every month that won't break the bank and will give you a great product. Often the label guys use "name" engineers so they can't be blamed later on if something goes wrong. "I used all the best guys; it's not my fault!" If you know enough to recognize a turd from a trophy, then you don't need the names. It's not really going to help you sell records. It may help if the engineer likes you and makes a call to his A&R buddy, but that's uncommon. But hey, it'll be a great learning experience, you'll have some bragging rights, and at least there'll be a recognizable name in the bio when you shop for a deal. It may not be that helpful, but it probably won't hurt, unless that engineer slept with the A&R guy's sister.

Einstein · 26th January 2006

Haha, maybe it's me! I've always felt pretty hesitant to actually call the numbers and ask. Maybe I'm the one feeling not worthy. The way I see it, it would be a double treat. Get to have my band mixed by one of my heros, and I ( as a ME ) get to watch one of my heros work. Maybe even pick up some pointers. I may seriously look into this for next time.

Rush909 · 26th January 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayfrigo

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that there are plenty of seasoned professionals around without songs in the top 10 every month that won't break the bank and will give you a great product.

Great Great point... anyone can name some of the great mixers out there that are NOT hot right now that might turn around a less expensive mix?

r.

Einstein · 26th January 2006

I'm about half way through this EP on my own this time arround, but I'm sure we'll do another over the summer. Who's out there that fantastic that you guys would reccomend if I went that rout next time arround?

84K · 26th January 2006

FYI: TLA and CLA are with Netwerk now... They're no longer with Lisa Marie.

wwittman · 26th January 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by farside

This is one of the things I like about Steve Albini ...He'll work with anyone, you dont have to pass a coolness test first.

If you pay Steve's rate, he'll work with you.

I'm unaware of any mixing engineer who won't work with you because you're not "cool" enough, if you pay his rate.

Now i woudn't expect Steve to take a break from a major client of his or the middle of an album to mix your track and I equally don't think you can expect Bob to stop mixing Springsteen to fit you in.

But otherwise, people who work are happy to work.
No one is going to reject you and your money because you're not "cool".

Most will have managers who can be contacted about rates and availability.

The real question should be, is that rate WORTH it to you on your project?
and that should be a BUSINESS decision.

Otherwise you are the one falling into the "coolness" factour trap.

Matt Grondin · 26th January 2006

What about Andy Wallace? I want him to mix my record

Anyone got 100 grand I can borrow?

Einstein · 26th January 2006

I guess I was under the impression that there were alot of big name MEs out there who only did work for lables. It wasn't really the "coolness" factor so much as the "unsigned" factor. I always thought getting the big boys was like major anything else. I'm glad to hear they are available to the "public".

As far as worth the money goes. You're right, that would have to be hevily evaluated. I wouldn't want to spend top dollar rates just as an excuse to see them work or have a story to tell about some demo I did once with "Name X". That would infact be a very poor decision. The material would have to be quite worth it if the rates were out of this world.

BTW, does anyone have a hold on what the absolute top rate is out there? I've heard stories of upwards of 300 an hour.

thethrillfactor · 26th January 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Einstein

BTW, does anyone have a hold on what the absolute top rate is out there? I've heard stories of upwards of 300 an hour.

Its usually a fee per song.

TBlizz · 26th January 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rush909

Great Great point... anyone can name some of the great mixers out there that are NOT hot right now that might turn around a less expensive mix?

r.

Apparently there are a lot of great mixers on this forum, so you may want to do a search here.

Personally I had good experiences with Robert Wawoe “The Mix Doctor”, an initiative by Bob Katz on his site: http://www.digido.com/portal/pmodule...r_page_id=116/

Not a BIG name mixer, but somebody with great skills and within my budget.

Good luck!
Martijn.

Jules · 26th January 2006

The first job will be to persuade the manager that you aren't a nut job. Once you have done that, agree a price & time. Offering to send a deposit very early on in negotiations should get their attention!

Don't expect more than a mix.. (Hoping that they will pass your music around to A&R folks etc) If you start in with that shit they WILL think you ARE a nut job!

A simple statement at the end of the session, "feel free to play it to anyone as I am looking for a deal" is about all that you can ask.

Also don't expect to be allowed in for the mix session until the 'comments phase' at the very end.. Many folks don't like to be watched while mixing. (as they spend most of the time eating delivery sushi, picking their nose and surfing on Gearslutz)

Good luck!

Einstein · 26th January 2006

Oh, wait, so you mean it would be a bad idea to hire a PI to follow them arround for a few months, get photos of them with their mistress, etc. Then after the mix say something like "I know about the girl in Hawaii, I better be signed to Sony by the end of the week" ????????

Look at you guys, spoilin my plans!! Ha!!

On a serious note, I wouldn't expect anything but a far supirior mix than what I am capable of. If we decide to go that rout the next time arround, I have in my mind that it would help. Really though, it was just a curiosity.

It does kinda suck that I couldn't pick their brain or at least watch them work, but I understand this as it is also my policy....or at least preference.

25th January 2006	#1
Einstein Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 776 Thread Starter	How does one hire a god? Just out of pure curiosity, is it possible to hire the big name ME's for non-lable work? Can you call them up and hire them to do a mix for something that you recorded? I'm only curious here...if you got the money, will they do the work, or is it an honor system of some sort where you have to be somebody before they will even talk to you? Maybe this is a stupid post, but I've never quite understood how this works.

25th January 2006	#3
absrec Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,138	What I've heard is that, if one of those guys digs what you're doing, they may very well mix it for whatever you can give them. But they have to get the music and they have to be into it. Also, it probably has to be something that they think could potentially go somewhere. __________________ If you don't spank it, you can't crank it!

25th January 2006	#4
TBlizz Gear addict Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 373	Or maybe your favourite mixing-engineer can be found on these sites providing online services: http://i-studio.net/ http://www.sessionplayers.com/roster.html (coming winter 2006) http://www.esession.com/site/ Good luck and let me know when Bob Clearmountain or Tom Lord-Alge are having a slow week and need the extra work... Martijn. __________________ "You can have information or you can have life, but you can't have both." - Douglas Coupland

25th January 2006	#6
True North Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Richmond Hill, Ontario (Canada) Posts: 3,203	Typically the big name ME's (i.e. Bob Clearmountain) work through agents. The relationship between an agent and a client is a legally binding agreement. As such all transactions will be directed through the agent. Michael Brauer spoke a little about this while he was a guest moderator. __________________ "In the time of chimpanzees I was a monkey" - Beck, Loser "I do use compressors/limiters but not for controlling dynamics, I use EQ for that!" Jp22 (damn I miss him) "Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance." -- Will Durant, historian (1885-1981) "I try to get a boom out of the bass drum, in one of my albums, my CD, boom, I try to get that big boom, I could not get a big boom, I paid bucks, and could not get the boom" - Recording Expert, Tad Donley

25th January 2006	#12
Benjy King Gear addict Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New York City Posts: 368	QUOTE: "What I've heard is that, if one of those guys digs what you're doing, they may very well mix it for whatever you can give them. But they have to get the music and they have to be into it. Also, it probably has to be something that they think could potentially go somewhere." ________________ Exactly my experience. __________________ Benjy www.benjyking.com www.myspace.com/benjyking

25th January 2006	#2
Fletcher member no 666 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 9,465	Cash is king...

25th January 2006	#7
djui5 Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Phoenix Posts: 6,661	I'm available

25th January 2006	#8
rickrock305 Gear Guru Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Miami FL Posts: 10,055	I work with TLA. All his bookings go through a management company. Like Fletcher said, cash is king.

25th January 2006	#9
5down1up Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Germany Posts: 1,989	if cash is king they cant be GODs tutt

25th January 2006	#11
5down1up Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Germany Posts: 1,989	he he xactly ... AL CAPONE on da faders

25th January 2006	#13
dbbubba Banned Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 7,099	Also, figure where your project is going to fit into their "world." If your cut has potential to generate money then they might do it for points, but then again.... cash and an open calender.... Danny Brown

25th January 2006	#14
farside Gear nut Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Buffalo Posts: 109	This is one of the things I like about Steve Albini ...He'll work with anyone, you dont have to pass a coolness test first.

26th January 2006	#16
Einstein Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 776 Thread Starter	I looked at some of those sites, pretty cool stuff indeed. The reason I got to thinking is that when my band recorded our last CD, I really didn't want to do it. I hate recording my own stuff, always have. So I thought to myself, hey, we could cut the track count down to an EP, and hire David Bottrill. So out of pure "let's just see if I can find him" I e-mailed his agent and never got a reply. The site wouldn't let you e-mail direct, but had a "gate keeper" type form you filled out with a couple questions like "who are you" a. lable b. managment, etc. This got me wondering if you have to be of some stature before you're allowed to pay these guys to work for you. It seems to me that some are redily available and some are almost mythical creatures.

26th January 2006	#18
David R. Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: I left my heart, in... Posts: 1,863	All you have to do is ask. And, be willing to pay what they are asking. You just have to find how to get in touch. __________________ -David R. "An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way." - C. Bukowski

26th January 2006	#19
jayfrigo Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,352	How? Easy. Call their rep and ask about their schedule and price. If you like what you hear, book some time. Some even offer demo rates if they have some downtime and it's a short booking. I'm not aware of too many engineers that feel they are too cool for work, unless you want them for a whole month lockout at the expense of their regular label clients. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that there are plenty of seasoned professionals around without songs in the top 10 every month that won't break the bank and will give you a great product. Often the label guys use "name" engineers so they can't be blamed later on if something goes wrong. "I used all the best guys; it's not my fault!" If you know enough to recognize a turd from a trophy, then you don't need the names. It's not really going to help you sell records. It may help if the engineer likes you and makes a call to his A&R buddy, but that's uncommon. But hey, it'll be a great learning experience, you'll have some bragging rights, and at least there'll be a recognizable name in the bio when you shop for a deal. It may not be that helpful, but it probably won't hurt, unless that engineer slept with the A&R guy's sister. __________________ Jay Frigoletto Mastersuite www.promastering.com www.studiometronome.com

26th January 2006	#23
84K Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: right coast Posts: 3,857	FYI: TLA and CLA are with Netwerk now... They're no longer with Lisa Marie.

26th January 2006	#25
Matt Grondin I like lamp Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 1,317	What about Andy Wallace? I want him to mix my record Anyone got 100 grand I can borrow? __________________ Matt Grondin The Parlor Recording Studio New Orleans, LA http://www.theparlorstudio.com http://www.facebook.com/theparlorstudio matt@theparlorstudio.com

26th January 2006	#29
Jules Gearslutz.com admin Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: A Yank in London, UK Posts: 17,356 1 Review written	The first job will be to persuade the manager that you aren't a nut job. Once you have done that, agree a price & time. Offering to send a deposit very early on in negotiations should get their attention! Don't expect more than a mix.. (Hoping that they will pass your music around to A&R folks etc) If you start in with that shit they WILL think you ARE a nut job! A simple statement at the end of the session, "feel free to play it to anyone as I am looking for a deal" is about all that you can ask. Also don't expect to be allowed in for the mix session until the 'comments phase' at the very end.. Many folks don't like to be watched while mixing. (as they spend most of the time eating delivery sushi, picking their nose and surfing on Gearslutz) Good luck! __________________ Jules Add your reviews to the new reviews area! Gearslutz on Facebook Follow my GS picks on Twitter Last edited by Jules; 26th January 2006 at 11:09 AM..

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